MPs demand record of child-tracking devices over paedophile fears

The technology is aimed at parents wanting to keep tabs on their children after a series of high-profile child murders and the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

But politicians fear the devices could also be used by sexual predators to find their victims.

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On Tuesday MPs are due to debate the Child Location Services-Bill - which could make it illegal to operate the systems without a licence.

Labour MP Judy Mallaber has the backing of several leading child-protection charities for the measures. Her Bill would restrict the operations of child-tracking services, such as the Teddyfone - a limited-function mobile phone that looks like a teddy bear - which can be used to locate a child.

Ms Mallaber said the technology could also be used by a violent partner to trace their victim by posting one of the devices to them, or be open to misuse by child-abusers.

She said: "Once the Bill becomes law every UK-based person employed to do such work will have their criminal record checked.

"What peace of mind can parents have if these services remain unregulated and open to strangers to misuse?

"We are sleepwalking into a world where jealous partners or obsessed stalkers could spy on you just by getting your phone number. We must establish controls and a licensing regime fast."

Also facing regulation is 'buddi' - a tiny personal GPS locator which, when attached to a child's clothes or put in their school bag, can be used to pinpoint their whereabouts.

Last night Sara Murray, 38, who runs the company behind 'buddi', said: "I broadly support the safeguards this legislation would put in place - but ultimately there is little you can do to prevent any device falling into the wrong hands once they have been sold."

The Bill is also being backed by Tory MP Ian Taylor, who warned of the dangers of the new technology. He said: "In the right hands, location data - knowing where someone is - can be valuable and reassuring, but in the wrong hands such data is extremely dangerous.

"No checks are made as to whether a product is sold to a parent or paedophile."